BARRY HUMPHRIES - BARRY HUMPHRIES' "SCHIZOPHRENIC" LIFE

Australian comic BARRY HUMPHRIES is completely unashamed of his "schizophrenic relationship" with his comedy alter ego DAME EDNA EVERAGE.

Humphries, 69, brought Everage to life 40 years ago and she's still the flagship part of his comedy routine, despite the fact he's winning film parts in movies like NICHOLAS NICKLEBY.

Insisting Edna is a real person, he says, "Well, she is, isn't she? She's a separate individual. Sometimes on stage she'll say something that totally surprises me.

"It's a truly schizophrenic relationship, because we have nothing in common. I don't share any view with her - none of her political opinions on any matter coincide with my own. And yet, she is a very persuasive woman."